David and Jonathan (Rembrandt)
David and Jonathan is a painting by the Dutch painter Rembrandt, made in 1642, now in the collection of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Painted on oak,[1] it is one of the works, together with the Hellenistic sculpture acquired in 1850, The Venus de Taurida, with which the Hermitage began their collection in 1882.[2]
The subject is taken from the
Rembrandt portrays Jonathan holding David to his chest as the latter weeps uncontrollably: "And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul." (1 Samuel 20:17) The young David cannot contain his grief. Jonathan, more mature in years, keeps back the tears, although his face expresses deep sorrow. Themes of love and suffering lie at the heart of the biblical story captured in the painting. Rembrandt painted the picture soon after the death of his beloved wife Saskia, and perhaps its subject is associated with his own feelings.[4]
The Hermitage contains other works by Rembrandt such as Flora (1634), The Descent of the Cross (1634), The Sacrifice of Isaac (1635), The Holy Family with Angels (1645), and The Return of the Prodigal Son (1668-1669).
See also
- David and Jonathan, about the Biblical story
- List of paintings by Rembrandt
References
- ISBN 978-0271048383. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "The State Hermitage Museum". Hermitage Museum Website. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ISBN 978-94-010-6852-9. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- ^ "The State Hermitage Museum". Hermitage Museum Website. Retrieved 15 August 2018.